Abstract: A steering wheel that includes optoelectronic components, each specific optoelectronic component including a light projector projecting light out of the steering wheel at two different angles, denoted a1 and a2, a light sensor detecting reflections of the light projected by neighboring optoelectronic components by an object above the steering wheel, a lens oriented relative to the light sensor such that the light sensor receives maximum intensity when light enters the lens at either of two particular angles, specifically, when light enters the lens at a particular angle b1, and at a particular angle b2 different than b1, wherein angle b1 views reflections of light projected at angle a1 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on one side, and angle b2 views reflections of light projected at angle a2 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on the side opposite the one side.

Abstract: A steering wheel that includes optoelectronic components, each specific optoelectronic component including a light projector projecting light out of the steering wheel at two different angles, denoted a1 and a2, a light sensor detecting reflections of the light projected by neighboring optoelectronic components by an object above the steering wheel, a lens oriented relative to the light sensor such that the light sensor receives maximum intensity when light enters the lens at either of two particular angles, specifically, when light enters the lens at a particular angle b1, and at a particular angle b2 different than b1, wherein angle b1 views reflections of light projected at angle a1 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on one side, and angle b2 views reflections of light projected at angle a2 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on the side opposite the one side.

Abstract: A touchless vehicle control apparatus includes an array of infrared light-emitting LEDs; an array of infrared light sensors for receiving reflected light from an object in accordance with a time sequence in which one or more of the infrared light-emitting LEDs is activated and outputting a plurality of reflected signals; and a processing unit for receiving the reflected signals, identifying a signal function of time by comparing a predetermined threshold with signal levels of the reflected signals, determining motion of the object by referring to the signal function of time, and directing the execution of one or more pre-defined vehicle commands when the determined motion of the object corresponds to a pre-defined motion associated with a vehicle command.

Abstract: An electronic latch assembly secures a vehicle door to a vehicle frame with a striker and a catch assembly. The striker is attached to the vehicle frame. The catch assembly secures the vehicle door to the vehicle frame when the vehicle door is disposed in a closed position. The catch assembly includes a catch pivotally affixed to a mount at a first axis in an orientation enabling engagement and disengagement of the catch with the striker. The catch is pivotable between a latched disposition and an unlatched disposition. An indicator member is cooperably affixed to the mount with the catch. The catch translates movement to the indicator member when the catch pivots around the first pivot axis between the latched disposition and the unlatched disposition. The indicator member includes an indicator for indicating a disposition of the catch between the latched disposition and unlatched disposition.

Abstract: A door handle and actuation assembly for opening a door of a vehicle includes a striker and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch biased to engage the striker to secure the vehicle door in a closed position. A first latch actuator is configured to receive an electronic signal for disengaging the latch from the striker. A second latch actuator is redundant to the first latch actuator and a power source is available for providing an electrical signal to the second latch actuator. The second latch actuator includes a shape memory alloy having a first configuration and a second configuration that different from the first configuration when subject to an electrical current. The second configuration is cooperable with the latch assembly for disengaging the latch from the striker.

Abstract: A handle assembly for actuating a latch of a vehicle door of a vehicle includes a grip assembly with a grip disposed between opposing mounts. The mounts are disposed adjacent a door panel of a vehicle door and space the grip from the door panel. A mounting member is disposed upon an opposite side of the door panel from the grip assembly to secure the grip assembly to the door panel. An indicator is separate from the grip assembly and is disposed at an opposite side of the door panel from the grip assembly. The indicator identifies an intent to actuate the door of the vehicle from an operator clasping the grip assembly. The indicator signals the latch to disengage the vehicle door from the vehicle upon identifying an intent to actuate the door.

Abstract: A system facilitating access to a vehicle when the main battery is incapable of supplying sufficient power for actuating the vehicle's power locks. The system comprises an access device for identifying an authorized user of the vehicle; means positioned in the vehicle for authenticating the remote access device; means positioned in the vehicle for placing the power locks in one of a locked or an unlocked state following authentication of the remote access device by the authenticating means; means positioned in the vehicle for transferring power from an external power supply to the authenticating means and to the means for placing the power locks in a locked or an unlocked state; and an external power supply connectable to the power transferring means to supply power for powering the authenticating means and the means for placing the power locks in a locked or an unlocked state to thereby effect authentication of the remote access device and unlocking/locking the vehicle.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for a vehicle includes a circuit board including at least one circuit having a first contact and a second contact. A knob is rotatably mounted relative to the circuit board. The knob has at least one cam extending therefrom. At least one switch corresponds respectively to the at least one circuit and has a switch contact. The switch contact is linearly movable to an engaged position in which the switch contact contacts the first contact and the second contact of the respective at least one circuit, such that the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected. The knob is rotatably movable such that the at least one cam moves the at least one switch contact into the engaged position.

Abstract: A rocker switch for operating a direct current motor includes a base, an actuator, a contactor, and a plurality of contact points. The contact points are made of formed wires extending into the base and having outer walls that form the contact points. The plurality of contact points includes a first contact and a second contact that are connected by the contactor when the contactor is moved to an actuated position by moving the actuator to an actuated position.

Abstract: A rocker switch for operating a direct current motor includes a base, an actuator, a contactor, and a plurality of contact points. The contact points are made of formed wires extending into the base and having outer walls that form the contact points. The plurality of contact points includes a first contact and a second contact that are connected by the contactor when the contactor is moved to an actuated position by moving the actuator to an actuated position.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel portion and a console pivotably connected to the instrument panel portion about a horizontal axis of rotation. The console is movable between open and closed positions relative to the instrument panel portion. The console comprises a first surface portion having a primary electronic item and a second surface portion having a secondary electronic item. The primary electronic item is accessible to a vehicle occupant when the console is in the open and closed positions. The secondary electronic item is accessible to the vehicle occupant only when the console is in the open position.